Google-backed AOSP support program for Sony Xperia S kicked off

This might be the most interesting bit of news I’ve ever covered at Phandroid: Google’s Jean-Baptiste Queru made a little announcement about an experiment that would see the Sony Xperia S receive direct software support through the AOSP, in a manner similar to the Nexus devices and the Motorola XOOM. Queru explained the choice of device as being a form of “thank you” to Sony for their relative openness with the developer community.

“It’s a powerful current GSM device, with an unlockable bootloader, from a manufacturer that has always been very friendly to AOSP.”

What really piques my interest about the experiment is

(a) Is this an early indicator for a possible Sony-branded Nexus device itself? Queru’s praise could definitely count in their favour, and also the community-driven AOSP codebase for the Xperia S could form the foundation for the device. It’s a very thin argument, but it’s the first thing that struck me.

(b) If this project were to be a success, would manufacturers be interested in offering users with the choice of their firmware, with updates coming through them, or AOSP ROMs with updates provided through Google?

This definitely has the potential to go on to become a huge deal later on, the biggest step taken against the slow-update problem that plagues the platform.

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Seems like a bit of an odd phone choice. Could they not have done this with the SIII? I guess there could be other reasons like you said.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001157635211 Danny Callahan

Well, google has had a habit of keeping the Nexus line very form-factor friendly. Thw Galaxy S3 isn’t….how shall I put it… a showstopper, as far as it’s design physically goes.

Eric Silva

This would be a great new trend. I would be more willing to buy a non Nexus phone if I knew this would be available. I love Android for the OS and the variety of phones available, but I really dislike all of the OEM skins.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1359390083 Sodiq Awokoya

Xperia Nexus……hmm those words can work together :)

wtpanos

The Xnex

Haitham Mireb

Nexperia S you mean.

Aslan Bollin

Gives a whole new meaning to the Stock Android Xperiance ;)

eilegz

xperia hayabusa nexus… too long but i hope that its the next nexus device xD

iwave

I’ve always thought this was the ultimate way for Google to demolish Apple. There’s no way a closed-source, proprietary hardware/software system can possibly compete with the development rate of an properly managed open source development project. Google should be looking to take this route with all the major hardware manufacturers. Let them compete on the hardware, but reap all the benefits of open source development.

Kaostheory

They already do, android 2.0 has more features than ios 5, and has been on more phones for a longer period of time.

http://twitter.com/KoryJS Kory Salsbury

Here is my wishful thinking…we know about Google’s November 5th event. 5 years of Android, 5 Nexus devices. Just a thought…isn’t Sony’s Google TV + Blu-Ray player (the next gen) supposed to come out around that time? I would love to see Sony + Google unveil a Sony Nexus Phone, the first Nexus Google TV/set-top device, a bigger Nexus tablet, perhaps the return of a fully developed Nexus Q….and????? I know, I’m silly and dreaming….however….Sony and Google would be formidable partners in development. Apple would have just cause to wet their pants.

http://twitter.com/noneedtotweet noneedtotweet

Best thing I’ve ever heard.

HO ME

Good Move Sony.

saynotopunx

Are we going to finally begin to see skinned vs AOSP versions of phones? It’s every Android fan boy’s dream!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1378557035 Rasy Soeur

OMG a SONY nexus!!! one could only hope for.

http://twitter.com/amaroth Bret Yates

ive really been wanting an xperia s since it was announced.. but i’m stuck on verizon